What is York Rite Masonry?

York
Masonry is the
oldest and
best known of
all Masonic Rites. It takes its name from York, England,
where the earliest known record of Masonry exists, dating from about
923 AD. Masonry's first written record is centered around York.
This was the seat of the Ancient Grand Lodge which finally merged with
another group called the Modern Grand lodge about 1717. This
is the basis upon which our present system of Blue Lodge Masonry is
constituted. The
Mother Grand
Lodge of
England, many years ago set forth as Paragraph 1 of its general Laws
and Regulations:
"By the solemn act of the union between the two Grand Lodges of
Freemasons of England in Devember 1813, it was declared
and pronounced that Pure Ancient Masonry consists of three degrees and
no more, viz.: those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft, and
the Master Mason, INCLUDING THE SUPREME ORDER of the HOLYROYAL
ARCH." Entry
into YORK
RITE FREEMASONRY is
available
to those who have progressed to the degree of Master Mason in a "Blue
Lodge". For
further
information on
becoming a member of the "YORK RITE" please CONTACT
a San Diego Chapter, Council, Commandery, or College member.